Nettle Love

Some favour finest muslin, others silk.
A few prefer synthetics. That's OK.
  You'll find no judgment here.

Newcomers often ask - why dress at all?
believing (as they would) that nettles seek
  the unprotected skin.

They do not understand - the sheerest weave
catches each predatory ragged leaf
  to press it sweetly close.

Nor do we run and thrash. Each loving sting
is better savoured in a peaceful mien
  than in a turbulence.

We are not many. It is for the few
to walk in nettled fields and to enjoy
  this most aesthetic pain.